Old Dominion isn’t done exploring “Memory Lane.” The reigning CMA Vocal Group of the Year has expanded on their highly popular four-song sampler from earlier this year, Memory Lane, with the release of a full album, available now.
LISTEN NOW: Old Dominion shares details on their new album, ‘Memory Lane’
Featuring 14 new songs in addition to the original four, the project is one that the guys say highlights their strengths as singer-songwriters. With plenty of catchy lyrics, memorable melodies, and raw emotion, the project serves up everything fans love about the guys… and then some.
“It started with a session in Key West, we recorded four songs and that was the push we needed to get us excited to keep writing and keep recording and that’s all we did,” shared frontman Matt Ramsey. “Keep writing, keep recording and we had no limits for ourselves. Just decided to keep going until it was done.”
He continued, “I don’t think we set out, really, with a big objective other than to get hot again" they laughed. "We did make a concerted effort to dig in as song writers. We know what we’re good at — we know we are good at just kind of hooks upon hooks and ear candy and things like that — we’re really good at that, but we’re also really good at being in touch with our emotions — at least in song form — and put those into songs.”
As the guys put everything they had into the album, they say the project is more for the fans to “take what they need,” from it.
“I think personally, for me, one of my favorite things that’s happened over the journey of this band is seeing how fans take our music and make it their own,” said Ramsey. “I think in the beginning, as an artist or as a songwriter you’re writing stuff for yourself, to scratch that itch, but when you start to see it become a part of people’s lives, for me, that changed it all.”
He continued, “When we get asked a question like ‘What do you want people to take away from it?’ I just want them to take away whatever they need. Whatever they’re feeling — if they need a little help or a nudge, or healing — I just want them to take what they need from it. Whether that be emotional or just making the party better.”
There’s a lot to take from the project with a whopping 18-song track list that includes the group’s newest single “Cant Break Up Now,” featuring Megan Moroney and another fun collab titled “Ain’t Got A Worry,” featuring Blake Shelton.
“Blake, we ran into him at an after party after the CMAs and I remember him saying, ‘How many hits do I have to drop to do a song with you guys?’” Ramsey reminisced of how they secured Blake’s collaboration. “We were like, ‘OK, we’re gonna hold you to it.’” And that’s exactly what they did.
“We sent him a couple of songs and said, ‘Have your choice…’ and he came back and said ‘I really like this one.”
Working with Shelton turned out to be one of the guys’ fondest memories from the creative process of the album and while the tune has already proven to be a fan favorite off the album — the guys had a few other personal favorites.
For bassist Geoff Sprung “Sleep Without Drinking,” is a standout, while for lead guitarist, Brad Tursi, it’s “A Million Little Things.” Guitarist & keyboardist, Trevor Rosen and Ramsey had a harder time selecting only one favorite, but “Some Horses,” and “Beautiful Skies,” were ultimately named the top for them.
So, what’s your favorite? Find out by checking out the new album, Memory Lane, available now.
'Whether that be emotional or just making the party better'
